Oh well....One more little problem is keeping me from continuing on the road. My clutch has now died and it is looking like a costly job.(the bike is with Williamson Balfour the BMW dealer in Conception and I'll update all the bikers out there on their competence once completed).

Other than that I've had a few more great experiences, some of which were camping out by the hot springs,miles into the wild, with Lara and Justin, wallowing in hot pools stargazing on crystal clear nights and camping on deserted beaches.,

Valparaiso is definitely worth a visit too if just to see the graffiti which is incredibly original, beautifully colourful and everywhere !!!. The Poet Pablo Neruda's house is also worth a visit having spent 2 hours there pretending I knew who he was ( o.k so I went to the wrong school...sorry Claudia).

Santiago is 'a shock'...I have to admit I had no idea that Chile was quite so stylish and parts of it put London to shame with tasteful modern developments and unique restaurants. The food and wine have also been some of the best in the Americas, 'bring on Argentina'....

Desperately want my bike back now so I can carry on South through the lakes and fjords. I can't see me making it to Ushuaia at the bottom of the continent for Xmas so will probably be on a mountain having porridge for Xmas dinner and roasting my nuts over a log fire...quite pleasant after a chilly ride.

Bye for now x.